Utah Authorities Seek Horse Shooter

Utah law enforcement authorities are hoping the public can help identify whoever is responsible for shooting and killing four Davis County horses.

Davis County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Sergeant Susan Poulsen said deputies responded to a call on July 15 indicating a caretaker discovered four horses had been rounded up in their pasture and shot.

“The horses were last seen alive on July 12,” Poulsen said.

Poulsen said investigators suspect that someone walked onto the property, and “it appears that (the horses) followed them (to the feed and water troughs) thinking they would be watered and fed. That's why they were grouped together like that,” she said

All of the horses sustained fatal gunshot wounds to different points on their bodies, Poulsen said.

“We are examining all the evidence including what was recovered at the scene,” she said, but noted that no apparent motive for the shootings has been found.

“The same owner has had these horses for 10 years without a problem,” Poulsen said.

As the investigation continues, Poulsen said the community is taking the incident very seriously.

“We've gotten calls (of concern) from the community and the deputies are very concerned about this.” Poulsen said. “This has affected everyone.”

Meanwhile, the Humane Society of Utah is offering a $5,000 cash reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shootings, Poulsen said.

Anyone with information about the shootings should call the Davis County Sheriff's Office at 801/451-4180, or the Humane Society of Utah at 801/261-2919 or 801/506-2408.

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